Postdoc position in Cellulose Nanocomposites for Flexible Electronics

We are looking for a highly motivated Postdoc to join our research group at Chalmers. You will join our organic electronics team and focus on the development of a new type of nanocellulose composite. Conjugated polymers with oligoethylene glycol side chains currently receive considerable attention in the field of organic electronics, for applications from energy harvesting and storage to bioelectronics. The goal of your project will be to prepare composites of these polymers with nanocellulose, in order to create materials with superior mechanical properties that are needed for e-textiles and wearable electronics. You will work with several PhD students in our group, as well as with several external collaborators, and together study the mechanical, electrical and electrochemical properties of your cellulose nanocomposite materials.

Information about the research group
The Müller Research Group focuses on the physical chemistry and materials science of organic semiconductors, polymer blends and composites, and develops new plastic materials for use in the fields of wearable electronics and energy technology. All research is conducted in co-operation with other universities/institutes and/or industry. Presently, our group consists of 1 Professor, 1 Research Staff, 3 Postdocs, 7 PhD students and several Master students.

Major responsibilities
The majority of your working time is devoted to your own research, in collaboration with other postdocs and students in our group, as well as collaborating groups, especially in the Wallenberg Wood Science Center (WWSC). In addition, you are expected to support and mentor the PhD students in our group that work on related topics. As a Postdoc you are expected to develop your own ideas and communicate scientific results orally as well as in writing.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
The successful candidate must have a PhD degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or equivalent (or be in the process of completing a PhD degree) with a focus on the synthesis, processing and/or characterization of conjugated polymers. Previous experience with biopolymers and in particular nanocellulose materials is a merit. A promising early achievements track record in terms of scientific publications is expected.

You should be highly proficient with (the majority of) characterization tools relevant for conjugated polymers, including both their physical and chemical properties, as well as electronic and electrochemical behavior. Relevant techniques include NMR, FTIR, UV-vis spectroscopy, thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), X-ray diffraction (WAXS, SAXS), optical microscopy, AFM, SEM, TEM, as well as electrical and electrochemical measurements. Experience with rheometry and DMA is a merit. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the work, the candidate is expected to have excellent collaboration skills. A very good capability of communicating scientific results in English, both orally and in writing is required.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg.  
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200221 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 8th of June - 2020
Interviews will be conducted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Therefore, please submit your application prior to the application deadline.

For questions, please contact:
Christian Müller, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering;
christian.muller@chalmers.se 
+46 31 772 2790

Information about the department:
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is the largest department at Chalmers and covers a large array of research from basic to applied. The fields of interest extend from DNA-research and biomaterials, solar cells and fuels, high temperature corrosion, and catalysis. The Department is heavily committed to teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, as well as postgraduate level in these areas. We have approximately 300 employees, divided into four research and one administrative division. We are situated at campus Johanneberg in the middle of Gothenburg. Our vision is “Through curiosity and knowledge towards a sustainable world”.

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Building Futures, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!